Patent GB-399383-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to game apparatus, toys and advertising devices
IPC: A63F9/14
Filed: 1933-02-13
Abstract: 399,383. Attraction devices. GUEYDAN, A., 6, Avenue des Toises, Lausanne, Switzerland. Feb. 13, 1933, No. 4319. [Class 3 (i).] Relates to game apparatus, toys, and advertising devices of the kind wherein articles are progressively moved on a vibrating track and may be automatically turned thereon so as to proceed both ways along the track. According to the invention, means are provided whereby the articles are given a constant tendency to move sideswise or deviate on the track, the object being to cause the articles to turn at the end of their course without the help of any apparent means. As shown, the articles, representing knights mounted on horses 5, are provided on the under surface with plush, the hair of which is arranged diagonally so that the articles when influenced by the vibrations imparted to the track 2 by a handle 3, are caused to bear upon a guide 4 whilst advancing. The knights carry lances and are loosely mounted so as to be unhorsed or knocked back when struck by the opponent's lance, the possibility of a successful blow being rendered a matter of chance by imparting irregular movements to the articles by means of obstructions or perforations on the track or guide or by curving the bases of the articles. At the ends of the guide the articles automatically veer round and return on the opposite side of the guide. The device may be modified for a tug-of-war game, the opponents being connected by a string or wire. The vibrations of the track may be identical in opposite directions to afford the opponents equal chances, the vibrations being imparted by a link 10 reciprocated by a ratchet on the handle shaft. When adapted for race games, the articles may represent boats, motor-cars, horsemen, &c. and the track is provided with a corresponding number of guides which may consist of rows of pins secured either to the track or to the base board ; or the articles may run in grooves the sides of which act as guides. Obstacles, preferably in the form of transverse undulating or helical bars or wires, may be provided to retard the progress of the articles. The lateral deviation of the articles may be imparted by covering a portion only of the base with plush, or the article may be weighted to displace its centre of gravity, or may be provided with a projection on one side of the base, or the track may be given a diagonal vibration. Instead of covering the bases of the articles with plush, the track may be so covered. The track may be straight, circular, or may comprise straight and curved sections, and may be foldable. When the apparatus is used for a skiing game, the vibrating track is inclined and the men are caused to ascend until, having reached the top of the guide, they turn and slide down a smooth stationary surface provided with a raised section which causes the men to simulate a jump. A curved border at the bottom leads the men on to the vibrating track. Specifications 302,220, 311,782, 313,482, [all in Class 132 (ii), Games], 335,575, [Class 3 (i), Advertising and displaying apparatus, Moving &c.], and 343,955, [Group XV], are referred to.